I had thought the most absurd thing I'd ever seen was an entire squad of "Nightmare Soldiers" lining up for a medical check at an abandoned airport.Turns out, human madness comes with an ever-increasing dosage.
The clues led us to a hidden laboratory deep in the Alps. Outside, the snow lay thick like the mountain itself had rolled out a carpet for the lab, while the scent inside—chemicals, tar, and just a hint of despair—was enough to make one question life itself.
"You sure we can get in?" I tightened the hood of my coat, eyeing the heavy metal door.
A low scoff came from Aileen."Unless you want to shake hands with the entire European Nightmare Legion, stick close."
The door creaked open, and mechanical whirring mingled with a deep hum spilled out. I nearly crouched down to catch my breath."This sound… it's like someone invented a new instrument by mixing tech and terror."
Inside, several scientists in hazmat suits were busy with instruments, while a subject—still vaguely human—was strapped to a metal table, black energy being injected into their body.
"This isn't exactly medical research," I muttered under my breath, trying to keep it from sounding like a joke.
Aileen moved ahead, scanning data on a terminal. The screen displayed:
Subject ID: E-47Energy Injected: Refined Nightmare Core SerumObjective: Enhance reaction speed and combat capabilitiesNotes: Some subjects show risk of mental collapse and organ failure
I raised an eyebrow."Enhance combat abilities? Careful—if this fails, people turn into walking bombs. It's like a 'Nightmare Combo': doomsday included free of charge."
One subject's arm swelled into a black claw, nearly scraping the ceiling. The scientists hurriedly pressed control buttons, but the black energy rebounded like it had ingested stimulants, crackling violently.
"…I knew this would happen," I sighed, gripping my weapon."Just like when I played with gunpowder as a kid—thought I was a scientist, ended up blowing up the backyard."
Aileen shot me a cold look."And you're still joking? You've just seen a human about to turn into a monster."
I shrugged."Don't ask—humor is my only defense mechanism. Otherwise, I'd be bawling right here."
Suddenly, an explosion tore through the lab. Glass cabinets shattered, and several subjects broke free, black mist flooding the air.
I muttered under my breath,"Oh, perfect. It's a self-service combat demonstration. Home delivery, free trial."
Aileen glared at me."Can you be serious for once?"
I grinned and drew my gun."Serious? Fine—seriously blowing you all away!"
Explosions and screams intertwined, plunging the lab into chaos. Each person enhanced by Nightmare energy acted like a walking bomb, while the scientists frantically pushed every button they could find, as if formulas alone could solve the apocalypse.
As I fired, I grumbled in my head,"You scientists… always think adding a few data points will let you control the world. All you did was spice up doomsday."
When the smoke cleared, the survivors cowered in the corners, while the black energy had already spread, seeping into every crevice like venom.
I wiped the soot from my face and sighed."Lesson learned today: never trust a scientist's safety promise, and don't ever think you can control Nightmare."
Aileen patted my shoulder."The government's ambitions are far scarier than we imagine."